How does Detroit Tigers' Miguel Cabrera stack up against Mike Trout in race to be named AL MVP?

AP File PhotoMiguel Cabrera smiles Sunday after hitting a game-winning home run against the Cleveland Indians. Will he be happy when the AL MVP results are announced after the season?

DETROIT -- Miguel Cabrera does things at the plate that Jim Leyland has never seen before.

Cabrera's teammates are starting to drop the term "MVP" into their comments when speaking of him.

But should Cabrera be considered the leading candidate to be the American League Most Valuable Player?

Cabrera is posting excellent numbers. His 95 RBIs through 110 games are the most for a Tigers player since 1961. He hit his 19th home run at Comerica Park, tying his own record (2008, 2009) for home runs at Comerica in one season. The Tigers have 27 home games remaining for him to break that record. Cabrera is on pace to hit 43 home runs.

"I've never seen anything like it, to be honest with you," Leyland said. "He can do
things to the opposite field with the ball that I've never seen anybody
be able to do. Nobody.

"Nothing he does surprises me," Avila said. "But I'll be surprised if he's not the MVP this year. He's unbelievable."

There are a handful of MVP candidates, but two stand out: Cabrera and Los Angeles Angels rookie Mike Trout.

Let's start with raw numbers:

Cabrera: .326, 29 HRs, 95 RBIs, .978 OPS

Trout: .346, 20 HRs, 60 RBIs, 36 SBs, 1.009 OPS

Mike Trout

Cabrera has a huge edge in home runs and RBIs. Trout has a higher batting average and an impressive OPS.

There are other factors at play. Trout will (and should) get plenty of credit for his work in the outfield and on the bases. He leads the American League in steals and is a great defensive player. Cabrera doesn't and isn't. Trout also might be held back in the minds of some voters who will favor a veteran over a rookie in the MVP voting.

Trout has played in 22 fewer games than Cabrera, which helps explain the
discrepancy in home runs and RBIs.

What if one of their teams misses the playoffs? That could end up being the deciding factor.

There is plenty of time for this race to shake out. With about 50 games to play, this appears to be too close to call. The final 50 games will decide who wins. Whichever of the two has the stronger run in the heat of the pennant race will take home the hardware.

What do you think? Which player -- Cabrera or Trout -- is the leading AL MVP candidate right now? Or is it someone else? Please vote in the poll and post your thoughts in the comments section below.

COMING FRIDAY: How do Justin Verlander and Jered Weaver compare when it comes to the AL Cy Young race?